Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for the School Year: How to Choose the Right Backpack and Stationery for Your Child
As the new school year approaches in Ukraine, an increasing number of parents are actively preparing their children for the upcoming academic horizon.
They are purchasing essential school supplies to ensure that their children start the year confidently and without unnecessary stress.
Among these preparations, selecting the appropriate backpack and stationery is crucial, as it directly affects the child’s health and comfort during lessons.Experts from the Public Health Center have provided a range of recommendations to assist parents in making an informed choice.
They emphasize that a backpack that is overweight or improperly fitted can lead to serious health issues, including back pain, fatigue, or spinal curvature.
Similarly, uncomfortable writing tools — such as pens or pencils with poor grips — can cause muscle strain and reduce handwriting quality.To prevent these problems, adherence to several key rules when selecting school supplies is essential.
The backpack should not be wider than the child’s shoulders: the top edge should be aligned with or slightly below the shoulders, and the bottom should not go lower than the waist.
The back panel must be of medium stiffness, cushioned with soft inserts to support the spine and protect against sharp objects inside.
Straps should be broad (at least 4-5 cm), padded, and adjustable in length.
An additional chest strap helps better distribute weight and reduce back strain.Reflective elements on the backpack significantly enhance safety by increasing the child’s visibility for drivers and pedestrians during low-light conditions or bad weather.
Multiple compartments help organize belongings and distribute weight evenly.
Proper carrying technique is vital: the backpack weight should not exceed 10-15% of the child’s body mass.
For a child weighing around 25 kg, this means no more than 2.5–3.75 kg.Children should wear their backpacks on both shoulders, avoiding carrying them on one side to prevent postural distortions.
Heaviest items should be placed closer to the back to minimize strain.
Parents are advised to encourage children to regularly clear out unnecessary items to keep the load manageable.Regarding stationery for younger pupils, choosing triangular pencils and pens is recommended, as their shape facilitates correct grip with three fingers.
Soft graphite pencils (2B) allow for easier writing, requiring less pressure, and reducing fatigue.
Avoid overly thin or slippery pens and pencils with metal casings to lessen hand muscle tension.Involving children in selecting their school gear ensures comfort and suitability, which is essential for maintaining good health and academic success.